Should Babies Wear Cologne? Exploring Safe Scents For Infants

The use of cologne or perfume on babies is a controversial topic, with some cultures embracing it and others frowning upon it. While some sources claim that exposing babies to fragrances can be beneficial for their development and create bonding opportunities, others argue that it may pose potential health risks. The debatesection_break:0padding-top:0pxpadding-bottom:0px centres around the potential impact on a newborn's health, with their lungs and skin being particularly vulnerable.

Baby cologne is common in many cultures, including France, Spain, Brazil, and the Netherlands

In Spain, for example, baby cologne is a common product used to disguise the natural scent of babies. The leading brands in Spain are Nenuco and Johnson's, and the former is endorsed by the Spanish Institute of Paediatricians. Baby cologne is also used in Spain to repel mosquitos.

In Brazil, baby cologne is also prevalent, with parents spending millions of dollars on these products.

In France, baby cologne is gifted to new parents, and brands such as Mustela, Tartine et Chocolat, and Bonpoint are popular.

The use of baby cologne is also observed in the Netherlands, where parents are advised to avoid applying fragrances to the chest area to prevent skin irritation in infants.

While baby cologne is common in these cultures, it's important to note that there are varying opinions on the practice. Some people view it as a way to maintain hygiene and associate certain fragrances with cleanliness. On the other hand, others express concerns about exposing babies to unnecessary chemicals and potential allergens.

Some parents worry about the impact of cologne on their baby's skin

One concern is that perfumes or fragrances could damage a newborn's skin. Professor David Orchard, a consultant dermatologist, says that unless a baby is born prematurely, their "skin integrity is sound". He adds that the risk of irritation or skin damage from perfume is similar to that of any young child. However, he recommends that parents protect their children from unnecessary chemicals, as there is a variety of fragrances that can cause allergic reactions.

Another concern is the potential impact on the mother-baby bond. Smell is essential for newborns in bonding with their parents and other immediate family members. Babies start using their sense of smell in the womb and become familiar with the scent of amniotic fluid, which is similar to that of their mother's breast milk. After birth, they have a highly developed sense of smell and will recognize their mother by her natural scent. Using perfumes or other fragranced products can mask the mother's natural scent and interfere with this bonding process.

Additionally, children have a much higher rate of chemical absorption through their skin than adults. The chemicals found in fragranced products can be harmful to human health and child development. They have been linked to various issues, including interference with hormone function, skin irritation, triggering asthma symptoms, headaches, and behavioural symptoms in children.

To minimize the potential risks, parents can choose to avoid using perfumes or fragranced products on their skin, especially the chest area, and opt for baby-friendly or hypoallergenic perfumes if they wish to use any fragrances. It is also recommended to keep the baby's environment as free from detrimental chemical exposure as possible, including choosing natural and safe products for lotions, baby powders, and soaps.

Others are concerned about the effect on their baby's lungs

While there is no strong evidence about the harmful effects of perfume on newborns, Professor Dharmage, Head of Allergy and Lung Health at the University of Melbourne's School of Population and Global Health, suggests that they are more likely to be affected than adults because their lungs are still developing. Asthma Australia's senior manager of research, information and evaluation, Anthony Flynn, recommends reducing the amount of foreign and strong chemicals that newborns are exposed to.

Perfumes are known to act as an irritant on the lungs and cause health issues in adults, especially those with lung problems. The same can happen to newborns, with the added risk of triggering asthma symptoms, such as chest tightness and wheezing.

Chemicals are the main concern when it comes to the potential harm of perfumes on newborns. These chemicals can be harmful to babies' health and development. They can interfere with hormone function, irritate the skin, trigger asthma symptoms, cause headaches and migraines, irritate the eyes, nose and throat, impact the neurological system, and accumulate in fat and make its way into breast milk.

Children have a much higher rate of chemical absorption from their skin into their bloodstream than adults, and if accidentally ingested, perfumes could result in accidental poisoning.

To reduce the potential risks associated with perfumes, it is recommended to avoid using highly perfumed or fragranced skin products, especially during the early days and months of a baby's life when breastfeeding is being established. Instead, it is suggested to expose newborns to familiar and natural smells, such as those of their parents, which can be comforting and soothing.

While there may not be conclusive evidence on the harmful effects of perfume on newborn lungs, taking a precautionary approach by minimising their exposure to strong and foreign chemicals can be beneficial for their overall health and well-being.

Babies have a limited field of vision, so they rely on smell to recognise their parents

While it is not recommended to use cologne on babies, newborns can recognise their parents in other ways. Indeed, babies have a limited field of vision, so they rely on their sense of smell, as well as facial recognition, to recognise their parents.

Newborns can only see clearly about 8 to 12 inches in front of them. This is the perfect distance for studying faces and getting to know their parents. Their visual field is limited in several ways. For example, newborns can detect changes in brightness and distinguish between stationary and kinetic objects, but these abilities are poorly developed. Their vision improves drastically with physical changes such as increased distance between the cornea and retina, increased pupil dimensions, and strengthened cones and rods.

Babies are able to recognise their parents' faces within days of birth, but it can take up to two months. Their vision continues to improve throughout their first year. By eight months old, they will be able to recognise their parents from across the room.

Newborns are also able to recognise their mother's unique scent, especially if they are breastfed.

Some parents worry that cologne will interfere with breastfeeding

Another concern is the potential impact on the baby's health. While there is no strong evidence of harm, perfumes are known to irritate the lungs of adults, and newborns are more vulnerable as their lungs are still developing. Additionally, some chemicals in perfumes, such as phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors and could potentially be harmful to infants.

To minimise the risk of any adverse effects, some parents choose to avoid wearing cologne or perfume themselves and request that visitors do the same when holding their baby. This can be a difficult conversation to have, especially with family members who are excited to spend time with the new addition. Some new mothers have shared their experiences of politely asking their in-laws to refrain from wearing strong fragrances, with varying levels of success. It is important to approach these conversations sensitively and provide alternative ways for loved ones to bond with the baby, such as skin-to-skin contact or talking to the baby, which can also help with recognition.

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